The Scrimshander Gallery
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History of Scrimshaw

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Scrimshaw is the term used for the detailed carving or engraving of pictures into bone or ivory. No one knows the derivation of the word “scrimshaw”, but it sounds like an old sailor’s term to us - and that’s exactly who started this carving craft. 

Early scrimshaw was done with crude sailing needles, and the movement of the ship - as well as the skill of the artist - produced primitive drawings. The etchings made in the ivory or bone were enhanced with soot and sometimes tobacco juice so the drawings could be easily seen. 

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Keeping the scrimshaw tradition alive in the 21st century, today’s artist use finer tools in carious sizes. The scene still often depict life on the sea or sea animals, but scrimshaw motifs can be anything from nature to notable people.

Scrimshaw is not only the craft of an individual artist, it’s a peek into American history, and we here at The Scrimshander’s Gallery are proud to keep this unique American tradition alive.

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​The Scrimshander Gallery
38 Centre Street
Nantucket, MA 02554 
Phone: (508) 228-1004
Email: 
[email protected]
Hours of Operation
Monday - Sunday
10 AM - 6 PM
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  • Home
  • About Us
    • Scrimshaw History
  • The Gallery
  • Shop Tour
  • Contact Us